Lawrence McCrobie, an arts educator at Valley High School (Jefferson County), is the new nonvoting teacher member of the Kentucky Board of Education. Submitted photo
(FRANKFORT, KY) – Lawrence McCrobie is always looking for meaningful ways to make a positive difference in the lives of his students and communities across the state. Being a part of the Kentucky Board of Education (KBE) as a non-voting member is one of those opportunities.
“I (am) honored and humbled to serve on the Kentucky Board of Education, service to the community and education are two pillars of who I am. It will be an honor to share my time and talents as a treasure to the students and educators of the Commonwealth,” he said.
McCrobie was selected from a pool of applicants and recommended by a special committee of the Teachers Advisory Council for the 2024-2025 nonvoting teacher position. He began his term on July 1.
“I feel that I am suited to fulfill this mission. As an arts educator in music education, I am normally greatly impacted by decisions made at the state level,” said McCrobie, an educator for Valley High School (Jefferson County) who is the fourth teacher to serve on the KBE as a nonvoting member.
McCrobie said he hopes to advocate for teachers and improve the education system by sharing his insight as an educator as board members work to shape education policies and practices for all students in Kentucky.
“Serving on the board allows teachers to advocate for their profession, ensuring that policies and decisions consider the needs and perspectives of educators in the state,” said McCrobie. “Being a teacher member means representing the voices and concerns of fellow teachers, bringing their experiences and insights to the decision-making process.”
In McCrobie’s application, he shared how growing up he was able to watch and learn from his grandfather and mother as they worked with government agencies over the years, working to better their communities. His grandfather worked for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and as a member and regional director for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. McCrobie’s mother had a long career with the Kentucky State Board of Elections.
“Those years of watching them work to better the communities in which they served and the citizens of the Commonwealth provided me with the same desire to be a servant to those who needed the advocacy,” said McCrobie.
McCrobie has a background in music and music performance. He obtained his bachelor’s degree from the University of Louisville, his master’s from Campbellsville University, and a doctorate from the University of the Cumberlands.
McCrobie has worked in numerous positions as an educator throughout Kentucky’s public school system and has been a professor at the college and university levels within performing arts. He also has been involved with nonprofits and within church ministry.
“With my years of service as a member of the Knights of Columbus, I have a unique experience of working directly with underprivileged individuals in the community and working to provide opportunities to support children and families,” said McCrobie.
In addition to advocating for his peers, colleagues and students, McCrobie said he views this opportunity as a chance to grow in his own skill within education governance and policymaking.
“Board service can be a valuable learning experience, offering insights into education governance, policy development and strategic planning, which can contribute to personal and professional growth,” he said.
McCrobie’s term will expire on June 30, 2025.
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